Ducks call on Miller to fill Kunitz void

CHICAGO -- Thrilled to have added a skilled defenseman with high-end potential, the Ducks nonetheless face a significant challenge in trying to compensate for the loss of sparkplug left wing Chris Kunitz, who went to the Pittsburgh Penguins in Thursday's trade for Ryan Whitney.

The opportunity now belongs to Drew Miller, who has been on a yo-yo between the Ducks and the American League since the 2007 Stanley Cup playoffs.

Miller's latest arrival from the Iowa Chops came in time for him to skate on the top line alongside center Ryan Getzlaf and right wing Corey Perry in Saturday's 4-3, road victory over the DallasStars. Miller figures to at least open in that spot again Tuesday night against the ChicagoBlackhawks.

"He can play up in your top two groupings," Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said after Monday's practice at the United Center. "He can play a checking line, kill penalties, block shots. We think he's a real good hockey player."

Miller, 25, played 26 games for the Ducks last season and 13 in two separate stints earlier this season. His latest return to the Chops, Feb. 6, was largely a product of salary-cap challenges.

"It was kind of unfair having to put him back into Iowa," Carlyle said. "We felt he'd earned a longer look. One thing about Drew Miller, he went back and worked and was their best player. That's always a good sign. He went down and didn't do anything other than pick up where he left off here.

"The key is he's able to skate, and he's smart. He's one of those guys that the puck follows him around. He knows where to be on the ice and he doesn't have to exert a lot of energy to get the puck because he seems to be around it all the time. It's a knack. People call it that sixth sense, or hockey sense. He has that."

A former Michigan State standout selected by the Ducks in the sixth round of the 2003 NHL entry draft, Miller had a team-high four shots on goal against the Stars. Along with Getzlaf, Miller assisted on Perry's goal that rescued the Ducks from a 3-2 deficit at 8:50 of the third period.

"To get a chance on that line with those two guys is a great opportunity," Miller said. "I want to try to make the most of it, just use my speed, try to read off them and make plays down low -- be good on the forecheck and be the first guy back for them. I want to do all I can to stay up here and stay on that line."

While Miller's reputation has primarily been for a strong defensive presence, he has consistently played an offensive role in the minor leagues. With only one previous playoff game under his belt at the NHL level, Miller filled in for an injured Kunitz alongside Teemu Selanne and former Ducks center Andy McDonald on the club's top line at the outset of the 2007 Stanley Cup Finals against the Ottawa Senators.

"When I played with those guys in the Stanley Cup run there, I think it was too quick of a situation to really think about it and be nervous," Miller said. "You're kind of thrown in there and you just go work hard. Now it's more of a situation of trying to play more of my game that I can bring up from the AHL level -- just be responsible, play the systems well and also help chip in on the offensive side."

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.